Control device for machine tool

ABSTRACT

This control device for a machine tool has a display unit that displays an input screen via which machining information regarding machining to be performed on a workpiece is inputted and an input unit via which letters and/or numbers are inputted into machining-information fields on the input screen. When a machining-information field on the input screen is selected, the display unit displays a first input-assistance screen corresponding to said field. Input-support buttons are laid out on said first input-assistance screen. When an input-support button is pressed, a second input-assistance screen is displayed, and via an operation performed in accordance with said second input-assistance screen, the aforementioned field is filled in.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a U.S. National Stage patent application ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/JP2013/084975, filed Dec. 26,2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in the presentdisclosure in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a control device of a machine tool.

BACKGROUND ART

In a conventional technique, a machine tool which carries out machiningof a workpiece such as cutting by a tool which is moved relativelythereto is known. Further, in such a machine tool a numerical valuecontrol type machine tool is known where the path of the tool isspecified by coordinates of a predetermined axis and machining iscarried out while moving the tool with respect to the workpiece. Thecontrol device for machine tool can automatically carry out machining bychanging the relative position of the tool with respect to the workpieceby moving at least one of the workpiece and the tool by a moving device.

Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 5-2207 discloses anumerical control device comprising a setting display device with whichhas a screen selection key and a window key. It is disclosed that whenthe screen selection key is pressed, the screen selection windows aresuperimposed and when the window key is pressed, various types ofoperation support windows are superimposed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-93011 discloses a numericalcontrol device which displays a pop-up window when various types ofcontrol data are changed and reset to make the changing and resettingeasy.

CITATIONS LIST

Patent literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No.5-2207

Patent literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-93011

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

In a numerical control type machine tool, machining information toautomatically carry out machining of a workpiece is required. Forexample, a processing program in which movement information to changethe relative position of the tool with respect to the workpiece ispredetermined, is prepared. The control device for the machine tooldrives the movement device of the machine tool based on the processingprogram. Further, the machining information required to machine theworkpiece includes not only the processing program but also, forexample, information about the tool such as the type, length anddiameter thereof, and information regarding the coordinate system usedin the processing program.

The user sets these various types of processing information into themachine tool prior to machining the workpiece so that the desiredmachining of the workpiece can be carried out. As the processinginformation may be required to be inputted or edited, the control deviceof the machine tool is formed such that an input screen which allowsinputting and editing of processing information can be displayed.

In the input screen in which processing information is input or edited,a button which supports the input may be provided. In the prior art,however, there was the problem that the position of the button which isused to support the input of processing information items was difficultto locate and difficult to use. Accordingly, there was the problem thatdespite the control device having an advantageous input supportfunction, it was not sufficiently used.

For example, when the set value of each axis in the workpiece coordinateis inputted into the input screen, despite the large number of types ofmeasuring methods for the workpiece being prepared, there were cases inwhich the optimal measuring method was not selected for carrying outmeasurement due to the selection method being unknown. As a result, theoperational efficiency of inputting processing information deterioratedand there were cases of human error such as inputting errors.

A control device according to the present invention is a control devicefor a machine tool which carries out processing by the relative movementof a tool with respect to a workpiece based on a processing program. Thecontrol device comprises a display part which displays an input screenfor inputting or editing processing information related to processingthe workpiece, and an input part for inputting at least one of lettersand numbers into an item of the processing information in the inputscreen. The display part, when one item of the processing information isselected in the input screen, displays a first input auxiliary screencorresponding to the one item, and an input support button correspondingto the one item is provided on the first input auxiliary screen in orderto support input.

In the above invention, a second input auxiliary screen corresponding tothe input support button can be displayed when the input support buttonis pressed, and by carrying out an operation according to the secondinput auxiliary screen, the one item can be inputted.

In the above invention, the control device can further comprise ameasurement information acquiring part which acquires the measurementresult of performing a measurement of a tool or the workpiece, the firstinput auxiliary screen can be provided with a first input support buttonto carry out measurements, a second input auxiliary screen can bedisplayed when the first input support button is pressed, the secondinput auxiliary screen can display a plurality of second input supportbuttons to select the type of measurement, and a third input auxiliaryscreen can be displayed to carry out the selected type of measurementwhen the second input support button is pressed.

In the above invention, the control device can further comprise ameasurement information acquiring part which acquires a measurementresult of performing a measurement of a tool or the workpiece, thedisplay part can display an another input auxiliary screen when an inputsupport button provided on the one input auxiliary screen is pressed,the operation can be performed by repeatedly displaying the inputauxiliary screen and pressing the input support button, until themeasurement of the tool or measurement of the workpiece is completed,and the measurement result of the tool or the workpiece can be acquiredand can be input into the one item of the input screen.

In the above invention, the first input auxiliary screen may have aninput region to input information formed of at least one of letters andnumbers. If the input information input into the input region violatesthe predetermined rules, a warning message can be displayed in the firstinput auxiliary screen.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, a control device for machine tool isprovided which can improve the work efficiency when processinginformation is inputted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a machine tool according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the operation panel of the machinetool.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram describing the program editing screen.

FIG. 4 is a first schematic diagram describing the tool data screen.

FIG. 5 is a second schematic diagram describing the tool data screen.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram describing a coordinate data screen and afirst input auxiliary screen related to coordinate information.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram describing a second input auxiliary screenrelated to coordinate information.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram describing a third input auxiliary screenrelated to coordinate information.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram describing another second input auxiliaryscreen related to coordinate information.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram describing another third input auxiliaryscreen related to coordinate information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T

Embodiments of the control device for machine tool will be describedwith reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 10. The machine tool in the embodimentsis of a numerical control type which carries out machining by therelative movement of a tool and workpiece based on a processing program.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a machine tool of the present embodiment.The machine tool 11 comprises a control device 70 which controls themovement device of each axis and sets the processing information. Thecontrol device 70 may be configured of, for example, a CPU (CentralProcessing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory)etc., mutually connected via a bus.

The control device 70 comprises an input part 71, a reading andinterpretation part 72, an interpolation arithmetic part 73 and aservo-motor control part 74. When a workpiece is machined based on theprocessing program 76, the user creates the processing program 76.Alternatively, the processing program 76 may be created by CAM (ComputerAided Manufacturing) device based on the target shape of the workpiece.The target shape of the workpiece may be created by a CAD (ComputerAided Design) device.

Processing information such as the processing program 76 is inputtedinto the input part 71. Information such as the relative movement of thetool with respect to the workpiece is included in the processing program76. Commands for the machine tool by, for example, a G code or an M codeis included in the processing program 76. Further, processinginformation such as tool information 77 or workpiece information 78 isinput into input part 71. Information related to the tool such as thetype of tool e.g. a drill or end mill, the diameter of the tool, and thelength of the tool is included in the tool information 77. Informationrelated to the workpiece to be machined is included in the workpieceinformation 78. The inputting of the processing information to the inputpart 71 may be carried out manually by a user or an electronic fileincluding various pieces of information may be inputted.

The reading and interpretation part 72 reads the processing program 76etc. from the input part 71. The reading and interpretation part 72sends the movement command to the interpolation arithmetic part 73. Theinterpolation arithmetic part 73 calculates the position command valuefor each interpolation period. For example, the interpolation arithmeticpart 73 calculates the amount of movement for each time interval setbased on the movement command. The interpolation arithmetic part 73sends the position command value to the servo motor control part 74. Theservo motor control part 74 calculates the amount of movement of eachaxis such as the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis based on the position commandand drives the servo motor 75 for each axis.

The machine tool 11 carries out machining based on each type ofprocessing information. The processing information related to machiningmay include, in addition to the aforementioned processing program 76,tool information 77 and workpiece information 78, for example,coordinate information. Coordinate information used in the processingprogram 76 is included in the coordinate information. Machinecoordinates whose origin is defined by a predetermined point of themachine tool are included in the machine tool coordinate system. Withrespect thereto, for example, workpiece coordinates whose origin isdefined by an arbitrary point on the workpiece may be set. The workpiececoordinates move together with the workpiece when the workpiece moves.The workpiece coordinates can be set by setting the position thereofrelative to the machine coordinates. Other coordinate informationdifferent from such machine coordinates may be included in thecoordinate information. Further, in the case that a plurality ofcoordinates are used in the processing program 76, the information forthe plurality of coordinates is included in the coordinate information.

Further, parameters of the control device may be included in theprocessing information. For example, information on the processingconditions specified with the operation panel of the control device maybe included in the processing information. As such a processingcondition, the override value related to the movement speed may beexemplified. Further, information related to a coolant etc. may beincluded in the processing condition.

The control device 70 of the machine tool 11 of the present embodimentcomprises an information input control part 20, a display part 28 whichdisplays the processing information, and a storage part 26 which storesthe processing information. The information input control part 20generates the processing information required to carry out the presentprocessing and sends it to the input part 71. Further, the informationinput control part 20 edits the processing information input into theinput part 71 and sends it to the input part 71 as new processinginformation. For example, the processing program input to the input part71 is edited and is sent to the input part 71 as the processing programfor the present processing. Further, processing information, such as theoverride value input with the operation panel 41, is also received bythe information input control part 20. In this way the information inputcontrol part 20 can newly create or edit processing information.

The information input control part 20 includes a display command part22, a storage command part 25 and a reading part 27. The storage commandpart 25 stores newly created or edited processing information in thestorage part 26. The reading part 27 reads the processing informationstored in the storage part 26. The display part 28 displays theprocessing information based on a command from the display command part22.

The information input control part 20 of the present embodiment maydisplay on the display part 28, past processing information as referenceinformation to generate processing information to be used for thepresent processing. The past processing information may be stored in thestorage part 26. A user may set the processing information for thepresent processing while checking the past information.

Note that, the storage part 26 according to the present embodiment, isprovided in the control device 70. However, not being limited thereto,the storage part 26 may be provided outside the control device 70. Forexample, a storage part such as a memory card or a hard disk may beconnected to the control device via a communication interface.

It may be preferable that the set value of the present processing isfixed after carrying out measurements on the workpiece or tool in theprocessing information. With regards to the tool information 77, even ifthe tool is the same as a tool used in the past, it may be unclearwhether or not the past tool information will coincide. For example, thediameter etc. of a tool may change when grinding of the tool is carriedout. Accordingly, it is preferable that regarding the tool information77, the tool is remeasured and that the measurement results for the toolare input as tool information for the present processing.

Further, with regards to the coordinate information, there are caseswhere it is unclear whether or not past coordinate information willmatch. A workpiece is held on a table by a holder. There are cases whenthe position of the workpiece held on the table is slightly displaced.For example, there are cases when the offset value of the workpiececoordinates with respect to the machine coordinates change. Accordingly,it is preferable to remeasure the coordinate information for the presentprocessing.

The machine tool of the present embodiment is formed such that the toolor the workpiece can be measured. For example, by measuring the tool,tool information such as the tool diameter can be determined. Further,by measuring the workpiece, for example, an offset value of theworkpiece coordinate system with respect to the machine coordinatesystem can be determined.

The machine tool of the present embodiment is formed such that themeasurement method of the tool or workpiece can be selected from amanual method or an automatic method. A screen for supportingmeasurement and a measurement program when measurement is carried outautomatically are stored in the storage part 26. Further, the screen forsupporting measurement when measurement is carried out manually isstored in storage part 26.

The control device 70 includes a measuring command part 29. The commandto measure the workpiece or tool etc., from the information inputcontrol part 20, is sent to the measuring command part 29. The measuringcommand part 29 sends a command for a predetermined measurement to thereading and interpretation part 72 and measuring is carried out on themachine tool 11.

The control device 70 includes a measurement information acquisitionpart 30. The measurement information acquisition part 30 acquiresinformation when measurement of the workpiece etc., is carried out. Themeasurement information acquisition part 30 receives signals fromvarious sensors 32. Further the measurement information acquisition part30 receives the coordinate value of the machine coordinates from theservo motor control part 74. Further, the measurement informationacquisition part 30 sends the information to the information inputcontrol part 20. For example, there are cases when the machine tool isprovided with a probe to function as a measuring device. The measurementinformation acquisition part 30 sends a signal of the probe contactingthe workpiece etc. and the coordinate values of the machine coordinatesof each axis at the time. The information input control part 20 candisplay on the display part 28 the processing information calculated asneeded from the measured values.

Next, regarding a control device for machine tool according to thepresent embodiment, a more specific example will be described. Thecontrol device 70 according to this embodiment has a function ofsupporting an input operation at the time of inputting processinginformation.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the operation panel provided on the controldevice for machine tool. The operation panel 41 includes a display part28 on which processing information is displayed and processinginformation is input. The display part 28 according to the presentembodiment uses a touch panel which can select a desired part bytouching the screen.

The operation panel 41 includes a key input part 42. The key input part42 is provided with a plurality of key switches. By pressing a keyswitch of the key input part 42, a predetermined number or letter can beinput. Further the operation panel 41 includes an operation switch part44 which carries out the selection of a predetermined operation, and anoverride setting part 43 which carries out setting of the overridevalue. The override setting part 43 can, for example, set the overridevalue of the rotational speed of the main spindle or the override valueof the processing feed speed etc. By setting the override value, thespeed specified in the processing program can be increased or decreasedby multiplying a set ratio. Further, a measurement start button 45 tostart measurement of the workpiece or tool, is provided in the operationpanel 41.

FIGS. 3 to 10 illustrate the screens of display part 28 of the operationpanel 41. The format of such screens for inputting the processinginformation is stored in the storage part 26 of the control device 70.With reference to FIGS. 3 to 10, in the lower side of the screen, abutton area 54 is provided. The button area 54 is provided with buttonswhich carry out predetermined operations. Further, on the left side ofthe screen tabs 49 a to 49 d are provided to select the displayedcontents.

By selecting the processing data management tab 49 d, the processingdata management screen is displayed. The processing data managementscreen allows processing information to be copied from the storage part26 to the storage region for carrying out the present processing.Further, the processing data management screen allows the selection ofprocessing information for carrying out the present processing from aplurality of pieces of processing information stored in the storageregion.

FIG. 3 shows the program editing screen for displaying and editing theprocessing program. The program editing screen 55 is displayed when theprogram editing tab 49 a is selected. The program editing screen 55corresponds to the input screen for inputting or editing the processingprogram. The program editing screen 55 has a display region 55 a whichdisplays the contents of the processing program.

By a user selecting the selection part 55 b to edit the processingprogram, the display part 28 displays an input auxiliary screen 81. Theinput auxiliary screen 81 has an input region 81 a. Input informationformed of letters and numbers, etc., is input into the input region 81a. Further, by pressing the buttons 81 c and 81 d, letters or numbersmay be inserted in front of the selection part 55 b or the selectionpart 55 b may be replaced.

Furthermore, when the information input into the input region 81 a isdifferent to the predetermined format, a warning is displayed in thewarning region 81 b of the input auxiliary screen 81. The user maycorrect input errors on confirming the warning. In the example shown inFIG. 3, a warning is displayed to indicate that the letter “O” wasmistakenly input instead of the number “0”.

In this way, the control device of the present embodiment, when inputinformation formed of at least one of letters and numbers are input intothe input region of the input auxiliary screen, whether or not the inputinformation matches the predetermined rules is judged. Further, if thepredetermined rules are violated, the input auxiliary screen displays awarning. By displaying a warning on the input auxiliary screen, inputerrors by the user can be decreased. Further, inputting and editing theprocessing program can be easily carried out.

FIG. 4 shows the tool data screen for displaying and editing the toolinformation. The tool data screen 56 can be displayed by selecting thetool data tab 49 b. The tool data screen 56 functions as an input screenfor inputting and editing the tool information. The tool data screen 56has a used tool tab 56 a to select a screen displaying a tool to beused, a tool data tab 56 b to select a screen for displaying and editingeach tool information, and a tool offset tab 56 c to input a tool offsetvalue. In the example of FIG. 4, the tool offset tab 56 c has beenselected.

The tool offset screen of the tool data screen 56 has a display region56 d. In the display region 56 b, a correspondence table between anumber specified by the processing program and a tool path correctionamount described in the processing program is displayed. As thecorrection amount, the actual tool length of the tool specified by theprocessing program can be exemplified. By selecting the item of thepredetermined tool, the input auxiliary screen 82 is displayed. Theinput region 82 a and buttons 82 c and 82 d are displayed in the inputauxiliary screen 82. By pressing the buttons 82 c and 82 d, the numbersinput into the input region 82 a are reflected corresponding to therespective items.

The display part 28, when the number input into the input region 82 adiffers from the predetermined range, displays a warning in the warningregion 82 b of the input auxiliary screen 82. In this example, thewarning is displayed as the number input into the input region 82 a isgreater than the predetermined range. In this embodiment, when the inputinformation violates the predetermined rules, the warning is displayedin the input auxiliary screen 82. Further, by displaying the warning inthe input auxiliary screen 82, input errors by a user can be reduced.Further editing of the tool information can be easily carried out.

FIG. 5 shows another tool data screen for displaying and editing thetool information. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the tool data tab 56 bhas been selected. This display screen displays the tool information ofthe respective tools such as the tool number, tool type and tool lengthetc. By selecting a predetermined tool item, an input auxiliary screen83 is displayed. In the input auxiliary screen 83, an input region 83 aand a button 83 c are displayed. In the input auxiliary screen 83, bypressing the button 83 c, an example of information regarding what canbe input into the item to be inputted is displayed. In the example shownin FIG. 5, when the type of tool used is edited, by pressing the button83 c, a list of tool designations recorded in the storage part 26 isdisplayed. The user can select the desired designation from the list oftool designations and can easily input the tool designation.

FIG. 6 illustrates the coordinate data screen for displaying and editingthe coordinate information. The coordinate data screen 58 functions asan input screen for inputting and editing the coordinate information. Byselecting the coordinate data tab 49 c, the coordinate data screen 58can be displayed. In the coordinate data screen 58, a program commandcoordinate tab 58 a for displaying the coordinates used in theprocessing program and a tab 58 b for setting the workpiece coordinatesare provided. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the tab 58 b has beenselected.

In the coordinate data screen 58 in which the tab 58 b has beenselected, a list of workpiece coordinates is displayed in the displayregion 58 c. Workpiece coordinates to be used for the present processingare displayed in the display region 58 d. In this example, workpiececoordinates designated G54, G55 and G58 are used.

For each workpiece coordinate, the items for each of the X-axis, Y-axisand Z-axis as the linear feed axes, and the A-axis and C-axis as therotational feed axes are displayed. In the entry column for each item,for example, the machine coordinates for the reference point (point oforigin) on the workpiece estimated by the processing program, is input.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the item for the Y coordinate of theworkpiece coordinates designated G54 has been selected. By selecting apredetermined item on the input screen, an input auxiliary screen 84, asthe first input auxiliary screen is displayed. In the presentembodiment, the input auxiliary screen 84 is displayed so as to beadjacent to the selected item. Further, the input auxiliary screen 84 isdisplayed so as to overlap the coordinate data screen 58.

It is preferable for the coordinate information for the presentprocessing to be set with the actual measured value from when theworkpiece was arranged on the machine tool. The input auxiliary screen84 has an input region 84 a to input numbers. When the value to beinputted into the input region 84 a has already been determined, it canbe directly input into the input region 84 a by the user. In the inputauxiliary screen 84, a button 84 c is provided to input the number inputinto the input region 84 a, into the item selected in the coordinatedata screen 58. Further, in the input auxiliary screen 84, a button 84 dis provided which adds the number input into the input region 84 a tothe present value. By pressing the buttons 84 c and 84 d, the numbersinput into the input region 84 a can be reflected in the items selectedin the coordinate data screen 58.

The control device for machine tool according to the present embodimentis formed such that each input value of the coordinates can be measuredby the machine tool. The control device 70 can calculate the input valueof each workpiece coordinate by measuring the workpiece arranged on thetable. The workpiece coordinates designated G54 in the example has thepoint of origin positioned in the center of one surface of therectangular parallelepiped workpiece.

First, manual measuring of the workpiece will be described. In the inputauxiliary screen 84, buttons 84 e and 84 f are provided as the firstinput support buttons for supporting input of the selected item. Bypressing the manual measuring button 84 e, a second input auxiliaryscreen is displayed corresponding to manual measuring of the workpiece.

FIG. 7 shows the second input auxiliary screen when the coordinateinformation is set by the manual measurement. An input auxiliary screen85, as the second input auxiliary screen has a display region 85 a. Thetype of manual measuring can be selected in the input auxiliary screen85. In the display region 85 a, a plurality of buttons 85 b to 85 e onwhich the types of manual measurements are described are displayed. Thebuttons 85 b to 85 e function as the second input support buttons. Forexample, the button 85 b is a button for measuring the coordinate valueof the center of a circular recess in a planar shape formed in theworkpiece. The button 85 c is a button for measuring the coordinatevalue of a predetermined point of the workpiece. The button 85 d is abutton for measuring the median point of the workpiece in apredetermined direction. The button 85 e is a button for measuring theincline angle of the surface of the workpiece. Further, buttons forother measurement methods are provided as well. In this case the button85 d corresponding to the measurement of the median point in the Y-axisdirection is selected. By pressing the button 85 d, the third inputauxiliary screen corresponding to the input support button of the secondinput auxiliary screen is displayed.

FIG. 8 shows the third input auxiliary screen when the coordinateinformation is set by the manual measurement. The workpiece is arrangedon the machine tool table beforehand. The input auxiliary screen 86 asthe third input auxiliary screen is a screen for measuring thecoordinate value of the median point in a predetermined direction. Theinput auxiliary screen 86 has a display region 86 a. In the displayregion 86 a, a schematic diagram of the measurement procedure is shown.In this measurement example, the coordinate value of the median point inthe Y-axis direction is measured.

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, as shown in the display region 86a, in the Y-axis direction, the position where the tool 1 contacts oneend face of the workpiece 2 is designated position A. Further, theposition where the tool 1 contacts the workpiece on the other end faceis designated position B. The tool 1 is moved relatively to theworkpiece 2 manually and the workpiece 2 and the tool 1 are arranged atposition A and position B. This control can be carried out by themeasuring command part 29 of the control device 70. Further, thecoordinate values of the machine coordinates of position A and positionB are taken. This control can be carried out by the measurementinformation acquisition part 30. The information input control part 20,based on the coordinate values of the machine coordinates of position Aand the coordinate values of the machine coordinates of position B, cancalculate the coordinate values of the median point of the workpiece 2in the Y-axis direction.

In an actual measurement procedure, first the tool 1 and the workpiece 2are arranged at position A. By pressing the button 86 b which takes thecoordinate values of the machine coordinates of position A, thecoordinate values of the machine coordinates can be taken into thedisplay region 86 d. Next, the tool 1 and the workpiece 2 are arrangedat position B, and the button 86 c which takes the coordinate values ofmachine coordinates is pressed. The coordinate values of the machinecoordinates can be taken into the display region 86 e. Thereafter, thecoordinate values of the median point are calculated, and the calculatedresult is displayed in the display region 86 g.

The user, after confirming the calculated result, presses the button 86f for transferring the calculated result, and the calculated coordinatevalues of the median point is displayed in the numerical value column ofthe Y coordinate of G54 in the display region 58 d shown in FIG. 6. Inthis way, operations can be carried out by following the input auxiliaryscreen and the input support buttons displayed on the input auxiliaryscreen until manual measurements for setting the coordinate informationis completed.

Next, automatic measurement of the workpiece to set the input value of apredetermined item of the coordinate information will be described. Withreference to FIG. 6, when automatic measurement is carried out on theworkpiece, by pressing automatic measurement button 84 f provided on theinput auxiliary screen 84 as the first input auxiliary screen, thesecond input auxiliary screen corresponding to automatic measurement ofthe workpiece is displayed.

FIG. 9 shows the second input auxiliary screen when automaticmeasurement of the workpiece is carried out. In the input auxiliaryscreen 87 as the second input auxiliary screen, the type of automaticmeasurement is selected. The input auxiliary screen 87 has a displayregion 87 a. In the display region 87 a, a plurality of buttons 87 b to87 e which display the type of automatic measurement are displayed. Thebuttons 87 b to 87 e function as second input support buttons. Forexample, the button 87 sets the measurement of the median point of aplanar rectangular recess in a plan view in two directions. The button87 c sets the measurement of the median point of the rectangular recessin a plan view in one direction. The button 87 d sets the measurement ofthe median point of a cuboid in two orthogonal directions. The button 87e sets the measurement of the height of one reference surface.

In this example, button 87 d is selected to measure the median point. Bypressing the button 87 d, a third input auxiliary screen for carryingout measurement of the median point in two orthogonal directions isdisplayed. Namely, a third input auxiliary screen corresponding to theinput support button of the second input auxiliary screen is displayed.

FIG. 10 shows the third input auxiliary screen when automaticmeasurement of a workpiece is carried out. The input auxiliary screen 88as the third input auxiliary screen has display regions 88 a and 88 b.In the display region 88 a, the widths U and V in the X-axis directionand the Y-axis direction to be measured automatically are displayed. Inthe display region 88 b, the measurement point of the workpiece 2 isdisplayed. As shown in the display region 88 b, a probe 3 is mounted onthe main spindle. The control device 70 can automatically read thecoordinate value of the machine coordinates when the probe 3 contactsthe end surface of the workpiece 2.

The user reads the rough width of U of the workpiece 2 in the X-axisdirection from a drawing, etc. and inputs it into the input region 88 c.The width U at this time is a value input to set the range of movementof the probe 3 so a rough value is fine. Further, similarly the roughwidth of V of the workpiece 2 in the Y-axis direction is read from adrawing etc. and is input into the input region 88 d. The userdetermines a rough position for the probe 3 by an operation of theoperation panel 41 such that it is positioned above a nearly centralposition of the workpiece 2. Then, by pressing the button 88 e, thecontrol device 70 recognizes that preparations are complete. Next, bypressing the measurement start button 45 (refer to FIG. 2) of theoperation panel 41, automatic measurement starts.

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, the measuring command part 29 setsposition of the probe 3 to which it is to be moved relatively to theworkpiece 2 with reference to the rough widths U and V in the respectivedirections. Then, the probe 3 is made to contact the end surface of theworkpiece 2 as shown in the display region 88 b in accordance with acommand of the measuring command part 29. The measurement informationacquisition part 30 acquires the coordinate value of the machinecoordinates when the probe 3 contacts the end surface of the workpiece2. The information input control part 20 calculates the median point inthe X-axis direction and the median point in the Y-axis direction, anddisplays the calculated coordinated values of the median points in thedisplay region 88 f.

After confirming the calculated results, the user presses the button 88g for transferring the calculated results. As a result, the coordinatevalues of the calculated median point are displayed in the value columnof the X coordinate and the value column of the Y coordinate of G54 ofthe display region 58 d shown in FIG. 6. In this way the control deviceof the present embodiment can carry out automatic measurement to set thecoordinate information by instructions on the input auxiliary screen andthe input support button displayed on the input auxiliary screen.

In the control device of the present embodiment, when one item ofprocessing information is selected in the input screen, a first inputauxiliary screen corresponding to the one item is displayed. In thefirst input auxiliary screen, an input support button for supportinginput is provided. By pressing the input support button a second inputauxiliary screen corresponding to the input support button is displayed.Further, by operating as instructed by the second input auxiliaryscreen, the one item on the input screen can be inputted into. As theinput support button is provided in the input auxiliary screen of thepresent embodiment, it is possible to prevent a user from overlookingthe input support function. The user is ensured of selecting the mostpreferable input support function from the input support functions ofthe machine tool. The state in which the user does not find anappropriate input support function and the use of a different inputsupport function from the appropriate input support function by a usercan be avoided despite the existence of an appropriate support function.As a result, the operation efficiency of inputting the processinginformation can be improved and input errors by a person can be reduced.

In the aforementioned example of carrying out measurements on theworkpiece, the first input support button is provided to carry outmeasurement of the workpiece, in the first input auxiliary screen. Bypressing the first input support button, the second input auxiliaryscreen is displayed. In the second input auxiliary screen, a pluralityof second input support buttons to select the type of measurement aredisplayed. By pressing the second input support button, a third inputauxiliary screen for carrying out the selected type of measurement isdisplayed. There exists many types of measurement method for theworkpiece, further, the operation of the machine tool differs dependingon the measuring method. However, by adopting this configuration, a usercan carry out appropriate operations by following the instructions onthe input auxiliary screen and the input support button until themeasurement is completed. The user can easily and surely carry outmeasurements on the workpiece and input the measured values into thepredetermined item on the input screen of the processing information.

Further, in the above embodiment, the discussion has been directed tothe measurement of the workpiece carried out to set the coordinateinformation. However, not being limited thereto, in the case of carryingour measurements on a tool to set the tool information, by repeatedlydisplaying the input auxiliary screens and pressing the input supportbuttons, measurement of the tool can be easily carried out. For example,in the input auxiliary screen 82 of the tool data screen 56, whichdisplays tool information shown in FIG. 4, an input support button maybe provided to carry out measurement of the tool mounted on the machinetool. When a tool offset value is set, by pressing the input supportbutton provided on the input auxiliary screen 82, another inputauxiliary screen is opened and the tool length or the tool diameter canbe measured.

Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a control devicewhich inputs letters or numbers into an input screen to input or editoptional processing information. For example, the processing informationmay include, workpiece measurement information including information oninspection of the machined workpiece. The workpiece measurementinformation may include, the measurement procedures or the measurementresult obtained when measurement on the workpiece is carried out. In theinput screen of the measurement results of the workpiece, when the itemfor measurement results is selected, the first input auxiliary screenmay be formed to open. Further, by pressing the input support buttondisplayed in the first input auxiliary screen, the second inputauxiliary screen is opened, and by operating according to the secondinput auxiliary screen, the measurement of the workpiece can be carriedout.

In the above embodiment, the second input support button is provided inthe second input auxiliary screen. However, not being limited hereto,the second input support button need not be displayed in the secondinput auxiliary screen. For example, with reference to FIG. 6, theplurality of types of manual measurement buttons may all be provided inthe input auxiliary screen 84 as the first input auxiliary screen. Inthis case, when a predetermined manual measurement method is selected inthe first input auxiliary screen, an input auxiliary screen like theinput auxiliary screen 86 shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed.

Further, in the present embodiments, as the input auxiliary screens,examples of displaying three input auxiliary screens from the firstinput auxiliary screen to the third input auxiliary screens have beendescribed. However, not being limited to these embodiments, more inputauxiliary screens may be displayed. When there are selectable featuresin an input auxiliary screen, an input support button may be providedand the selectable feature may be selected in the subsequent inputauxiliary screen. In this way it is preferable that the control device,by repeatedly displaying the input auxiliary screens and pressing theinput support buttons, is operable until the measurement of theworkpiece or the measurement of the tool is completed. According to thisconfiguration, by merely paying attention to the input auxiliary screenand the input support button, the user can carry out measurement of theworkpiece or tool in the optimal method and input necessary informationinto the items of the input screen.

Each of the above embodiments can be appropriately combined. Forexample, while displaying the input support button in the inputauxiliary screen, a warning may be displayed when a number is mistakenlyinput into the input region. Namely, one of the features of the presentinvention reside in that by pressing the input support button on thefirst input auxiliary screen, a second input auxiliary screencorresponding to the input support button is displayed. Further, otherfeatures of the present invention reside in that a warning message isdisplayed, and that, as shown in the input auxiliary screen 83 of FIG.5, information on the designation of the tool is displayed.

The control device of the present embodiment, in addition to a machiningcenter which carries out cutting by a tool such as an end mill ormilling machines, is applicable to any machine tool such as a lathe,grinding machine or an electric discharge machine.

In each of the aforementioned drawings, the same or corresponding partsuse the same reference signs. Note that, the aforementioned embodimentsare examples and the invention is not limited thereto. Further, theembodiments include changes thereto as indicated in the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 tool-   2 workpiece-   11 machine tool-   20 information input control part-   28 display part-   29 measuring command part-   30 measurement information acquisition part-   32 various sensors-   55 program editing screen-   56 tool data screen-   58 coordinate data screen-   81 to 84 input auxiliary screens-   81 b and 82 b warning region-   84 e and 84 f button-   85 to 88 input auxiliary screen-   85 b to 85 e and 87 b to 87 e buttons-   70 control device-   71 input part-   76 processing program-   77 tool information-   78 workpiece information

The invention claimed is:
 1. A control device for a machine tool whichcarries out processing by a relative movement of a tool with respect toa workpiece based on a processing program, comprising: a graphical userinterface which displays an input screen for inputting or editingprocessing information related to processing the workpiece; and a keypadfor inputting at least one of letters and numbers into an item of theprocessing information in the input screen; wherein the control deviceis configured to receive a result of a measurement of the tool or theworkpiece, the graphical user interface, when one item of the processinginformation is selected in the input screen related to tool data orworkpiece coordinate data, displays a first input auxiliary screencorresponding to the one item, an input support button corresponding tothe one item is provided on the first input auxiliary screen in order tosupport input, the graphical user interface displays a second inputauxiliary screen, indicating types and procedures of measurements of thetool or the workpiece to be selected, when the input support buttonprovided on the first input auxiliary screen is pressed, the graphicaluser interface is configured to initiate the measurement of the tool orthe workpiece in response to an operation on the graphical userinterface, and the measurement result of the tool or the workpiece isacquired and can be input into the one item of the input screen.
 2. Thecontrol device for a machine tool according to claim 1, wherein thesecond input auxiliary screen displays a plurality of second inputsupport buttons to select the type of measurement, and a third inputauxiliary screen is displayed to carry out a selected type ofmeasurement when the second input support button is pressed.
 3. Thecontrol device for a machine tool according to claim 1, wherein thefirst input auxiliary screen has an input region to input inputinformation formed of at least one of letters and numbers, and when theinput information input into the input region violates the predeterminedrules, a warning message is displayed in the first input auxiliaryscreen.